John 16:12-15 (NRSV)
Read John 16:12-15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 12"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. Verse 13When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. Verse 14He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. Verse 15All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
Devotion
One of the universal thoughts of a pastor writing a sermon, a parent instructing a child, or a teacher’s parting words might well be the first words of today’s reading: “I still have many things to say to you.” But then comes the twist, rather than saying “I’ll finish the lesson tomorrow,” Jesus boldly suggests that at this time, his listeners are not quite ready to bear all that he needs to say.
Often times a lector in worship will end a reading by saying “Here ends the reading of the word”. Hearing those words Sunday after Sunday, we might mistakenly think God is done talking. But more careful hearing suggests that Jesus was not only speaking in that time to his disciples, but continues to speak and reveal himself through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through the gift of the Spirit, God’s daily revelation reminds us of God’s eternal love as experienced through Jesus the Christ.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, continue to reveal yourself to your church and each of us through our daily lives. Amen.